By Joab Graybrook
Coburg’s Senior Women’s team put on an impressive display of skill and talent to record a history-making victory on Saturday, beating Heidelberg by 49 points in the team’s third practice match. The even more impressive aspect of the win was that it came from just three quarters, with an injury to the opposition unfortunately restricting the game length. as an injury from the opposition team at halftime restricted the game to just three quarters.
Despite some early nerves from both teams, Sophie Damon and Lauren Sims provided good defensive work in the midfield. Amy Mitchener and Tash Phipps also rebounded well from defence, which led to Kristelle Vanderwolf setting up Teagan Bradley to kick an early goal. Coburg continued to control the game throughout the term, as Bradley kicked her second goal from the left forward pocket. Damon also pitched in with a late goal, while Mia Muscat and Sharni Barker provided good movement through the middle. At the end of the first term, the Lions held the ascendancy by 21 points, holding the Tigers scoreless.
In the second quarter, Bradley picked up where she left off, slotting through her third major of the day. Muscat also continued to showcase her excellent defensive work and evasive skills off the half-back line. Up forward, it was Regina Said who made an immediate impact, kicking two goals within minutes of each other to build the lead. Damon also added to her tally by kicking a second goal of her own and stretching the half-time margin out to 47 points, thanks to some outstanding clearance work by Ciara Elliott.
The usual suspects continued to impress in the third (and final) term, with Damon continuing to impress in the ruck, Muscat shining bright with her ball control, and Sims demonstrating her talent with her contested work. Tash Phipps also had a good outing, pinch-hitting in the ruck and making her and Damon a formidable duo. Abby Glascott was notable with her roving work, as she set up a late chance for Tanya Hendy, who had a classy finish in the forward line. Hendy’s goal came just before the final siren, which marked an impressive 49-point victory over the Tigers.
Backline coach Jessie Chester, who took the reins instead of head coach Liam Cavanagh, said she was thrilled that the team was rewarded for their hard work.
“Each week we have been improving,” she said. “We came into today knowing what we need to do and how we will execute it. Being able to transition and compose ourselves was particularly important, but also having the belief we can win after coming off two narrow losses.”
SCORING BREAKDOWN
Coburg: 3.3.21 | 7.5.47 | 8.7 (55)
Heidelberg: 0.0.0 | 0.0.0 | 1.0 (6)
GOALS
Bradley 3, Damon 2, Said, Nankiville, Hendy
